Stakeholders demand quality teachers at science contest

Secondary school pupils from all over Nigeria have exhibited their dexterity in invention at the 11th National Festival of School Science in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

The event, known as Science Fair, is being driven by Genius Illumina and backed by a software company, Intel Corporation. It was attended by pupils from 27 states.

The participants displayed their scientific innovation, some of which included a water bicycle, motorised rechargeable lamp, working tools, household materials, among others.

The fair equally offered a platform for stakeholders in the education sector as they frowned at the poor quality of teachers saying the development has had adverse effect on education standard of Nigeria.

At the competition, Doregos Private Academy, Lagos came first and second in two exhibitions to emerge winner, while the third position went to Government College, Katsina.

Rewards for the first, second and third place winners were laptops, 50 different science/technology books, medals, plaques and all-expense paid trip to attend Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (INTEL-ISEF) in the United States. Others also received laptops.

The Corporate Affairs Manager, Intel Corporation, Mr Babatunde Akinola, said the global decline in education can be tackled through public-private partnership initiative and not government efforts alone.

He said pupils’ interest in education is waning, saying any nation that dreams technological breakthrough must prioritise Science and Technology right from secondary school.

“This Catch-Them-Young Programme remains the best way to redirect the country to the path of STEM. If a nation wants to be competitive in the global economy, then it has to focus essentially on Science and Technology.

“With this programme, we tend to give relevance to these kids and creating a veritable platform for them to realise their potential.

“The quality of Science teachers is poor in Nigeria. We have very enthusiastic teachers, but the skills are not there.”

The Coordinator of Genius Illumina, Dr Jerry Irhue, called on corporate organisations to partner with governments for adequate funding of education.

“What we are doing is to initiate a situation whereby we can create avenue for the future leaders to be noticed now and give a morale booster for them to be able to be whatever they want even where there is paucity of fund.

“But I want to plead with government to relax bureaucracy in dealing with intervention from private organisations or individuals while trying to lend a helping hand in building a virile society we can all be proud of.

“We are delighted that education is on the concurrent list, so I plead with our government to provide conducive environment for teachers to deliver.”

Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Dr Kolapo Olusola, said Ekiti as the Fountain of Knowledge, would open its door to relevant agencies seeking partnership to revive education in the state.

Olusola said the ministry had just concluded a seminar for all science teachers, targeted at promoting the teaching of science subjects.